Picture this: you get on a huge, beautiful, expensive, first-class ship. Everyone says that it is unsinkable, and it was even built to withstand any complications it might have that could lead to flooding, then all of the sudden, you barely scraped the side of this ship with an iceberg, then it sinks the whole ship and kills thousands of people. That is what happened with the Titanic. It was built to withstand severe conditions, including sinking, but because the outside was made of a soft material, that one little scrape on the side of one huge ship, changed thousands of lives and families.
The huge ship set sail, being called the “unsinkable ship”. Ironically, April 14, 1912 (the first day out at sea) at 11:40 P.M. the ship slid past an iceberg. The watchman alerted the captain of the iceberg, so the crew tried to steer right, but reversing also. If they would have hit the iceberg straight on, it would have destroyed only two or three of the water-tight compartments, and the ship wouldn’t have sunk. Since it scraped along the side, it destroyed many of the compartments, leading to the sinking of Titanic. The ship sunk within 2 hours, which is a very fast sinking. Normally, it would take at least a week to sink a ship that big, but it destroyed a good portion of the side of the ship. That one little mistake led to 1522 deaths, and only 705 lives were saved by the life boats. The ship was believed to have sunk in one piece, but the evidence found suggests that it was split in half on the surface due to the pressure and speed of the sinking. In 1985 scientists sent down Alvin, but as soon as the wreck was in sight, they had to make their way back up to the surface. The dive was made several times, and after several attempts and failures, they saw the Titanic, steel engines and all. Through advanced technology, it has been possible to “Dive into History” and find the Titanic at the bottom of the Atlantic.
I think it is so sad that because of one little mistake of the captain, crew, and watchmen, it cost so many lives. If the watchmen would have spotted the iceberg a little bit sooner, and the captain would have turned away from it, or even hit it straight on, the ship wouldn’t have been sunk, and all those people wouldn’t have had to die. It is crazy how one little mistake can cause so many lives to be taken.
In the article “Plunging into History”, it says, “The officer-in-charge tried to reverse engines while turning hard to the right-a combination that proved fatal. Because the ship was in reverse, the change in steering actually moved her to the left, and the Titanic’s starboard side hit the iceberg.” Think. If that little mistake would have been avoided all of the 2227 (approximately) would have been spared, and they would all be living to tell the story of the great ship. Wouldn’t that just be so cool? People that are living, telling what it was like to be on the ship that really was “unsinkable”? That would be amazing!
In conclusion, the Titanic was a horrible accident, that everyone wishes could be avoided, but because of one little mistake, 1522 people died, and only 705 people were saved from the lifeboats of the Titanic.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Great Expectations Analysis
In the book Great Expectations, Pip demonstrates the theme of change. Throughout the book, he is trying to find out who he really is, thus, changing himself socially, physically, and morally. Pip starts out as a young, innocent, poor boy, who doesn’t seem to be too disappointed in his life style. His Uncle Pumblechook introduces him to Miss Havisham and Estella. Through meeting Estella, then later falling in love with her, he decides he wants to become a rich gentleman, and change his lifestyle completely. This wish is made possible when a lawyer comes forward with a fortune left for Pip, from a secret benefactor.
In Chapter 39, on page 307 Magwitch says: “Look’ee here, Pip. I’m your second father. You’re my son-more to me nor any son. I’ve put away money, only for you to spend. When I was a hired-out shepherd in a solitary hut, not seeing no faces but faces of sheep till I half-forgot wot men’s and women’s faces wos like, I see yourn….I see you there a many times plain as ever I see you on them misty marshes. ‘Lord strike me dead!’ I says each time- and I goes out in the open air to say it under the open heavens-‘but wot, if I gets liberty and money, I’ll make that boy a gentleman!’ And I done it. Why, look at you, dear boy! Look at these here lodgings of yourn, fit for a lord! A lord? Ah! You shall show money with lords for wagers, and beat ‘em!”
In this paragraph, Magwitch has just revealed himself as Pip’s secret benefactor. This is an important plot because Pip is shocked that the fortune came from a criminal, and not Miss Havisham. He begins to love Magwitch, and care for him, and realizes that his idea of his wealth was not accurate. He is forced to realize that he is indebted to Magwitch, and is a rich gentleman because of a criminal. This paragraph also reveals Magwitch’s true feelings toward Pip. Since Pip showed the one act of kindness Magwitch ever received, he felt like he would always be in debt to him, and he wants to make him a gentleman. Although Abel Magwitch starts out as a rough, frightening criminal, he grows to love and appreciate Pip, and the small kindness he showed Magwitch.
The theme of change is showed in this paragraph also. It shows that Pip started out as a kind young boy, and grew to be a gentleman, with many riches, a huge fortune, and a nice house that is “fit for a lord”. It also shows that Magwitch changes from a criminal, then realizes the kindness Pip showed toward him, and feels like he will never be able to repay him, so he will give him money, and educate him.
The way this paragraph is said, or rather spelled, shows that Magwitch was not bright or educated. He talks with slang and it shows, though he was just a dirty criminal, he loved and cared for Pip like a son. It did not take an educated gentleman to make one!
Magwitch is a mysterious, frightening, uneducated man that changed Pip’s life, by anonymously loaning him a fortune, and making him a gentleman. This demonstrates a very big change that happens in this book. Magwitch changes from a criminal to a benefactor, while Pip changes from a poor, humble boy to an arrogant, rich, educated gentleman.
Great Expectations is a book that demonstrates change. Many of the characters undergo a lot of change, including Pip and Magwitch. The young, beautiful Estella makes Pip want to be better, and change his lifestyle so that he is a rich, educated gentleman. Pip receives a fortune from a secret benefactor, who later comes out as Abel Magwitch, a criminal Pip showed a small kindness to when he was young. Throughout this book, Pip goes through a battle with himself, trying to find who he really is. In the end, he figures out that money is not everything, and he then turns to his real, humble friends and family, who has been there for him the whole time.
In Chapter 39, on page 307 Magwitch says: “Look’ee here, Pip. I’m your second father. You’re my son-more to me nor any son. I’ve put away money, only for you to spend. When I was a hired-out shepherd in a solitary hut, not seeing no faces but faces of sheep till I half-forgot wot men’s and women’s faces wos like, I see yourn….I see you there a many times plain as ever I see you on them misty marshes. ‘Lord strike me dead!’ I says each time- and I goes out in the open air to say it under the open heavens-‘but wot, if I gets liberty and money, I’ll make that boy a gentleman!’ And I done it. Why, look at you, dear boy! Look at these here lodgings of yourn, fit for a lord! A lord? Ah! You shall show money with lords for wagers, and beat ‘em!”
In this paragraph, Magwitch has just revealed himself as Pip’s secret benefactor. This is an important plot because Pip is shocked that the fortune came from a criminal, and not Miss Havisham. He begins to love Magwitch, and care for him, and realizes that his idea of his wealth was not accurate. He is forced to realize that he is indebted to Magwitch, and is a rich gentleman because of a criminal. This paragraph also reveals Magwitch’s true feelings toward Pip. Since Pip showed the one act of kindness Magwitch ever received, he felt like he would always be in debt to him, and he wants to make him a gentleman. Although Abel Magwitch starts out as a rough, frightening criminal, he grows to love and appreciate Pip, and the small kindness he showed Magwitch.
The theme of change is showed in this paragraph also. It shows that Pip started out as a kind young boy, and grew to be a gentleman, with many riches, a huge fortune, and a nice house that is “fit for a lord”. It also shows that Magwitch changes from a criminal, then realizes the kindness Pip showed toward him, and feels like he will never be able to repay him, so he will give him money, and educate him.
The way this paragraph is said, or rather spelled, shows that Magwitch was not bright or educated. He talks with slang and it shows, though he was just a dirty criminal, he loved and cared for Pip like a son. It did not take an educated gentleman to make one!
Magwitch is a mysterious, frightening, uneducated man that changed Pip’s life, by anonymously loaning him a fortune, and making him a gentleman. This demonstrates a very big change that happens in this book. Magwitch changes from a criminal to a benefactor, while Pip changes from a poor, humble boy to an arrogant, rich, educated gentleman.
Great Expectations is a book that demonstrates change. Many of the characters undergo a lot of change, including Pip and Magwitch. The young, beautiful Estella makes Pip want to be better, and change his lifestyle so that he is a rich, educated gentleman. Pip receives a fortune from a secret benefactor, who later comes out as Abel Magwitch, a criminal Pip showed a small kindness to when he was young. Throughout this book, Pip goes through a battle with himself, trying to find who he really is. In the end, he figures out that money is not everything, and he then turns to his real, humble friends and family, who has been there for him the whole time.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Religion is a Good Idea
I don’t mean to offend anyone with this essay, and if I do, I am very sorry, and know that it was unconsciously done! I know you don’t all belong to the same religions, or maybe some of you who read this essay don’t even have one, but I thought it would be a good idea to give some benefits of being a part of a religion, and being active in it. The first reason it is a good idea to be a part of a religion is because it seems to boost people’s self-esteem. Second, because it gives people a purpose for life. Third, because it seems to just make people happier. I think that boosting people’s self-esteem is very important.
The first reason it would be a good idea to be a part of a religion is because it seems to boost people’s self-esteem. I have noticed that people who are very involved in there religion seem to walk with their head higher. They look more confident, and have better posture. They are not just slumped over walking looking down at the ground. They look you in the eyes when they talk to you, and they have a great air about them. They seem to have a more bubbly personality, and to be more confident in who they are, and have a purpose to life.
The second reason it is a good idea to be involved in a religion is because it seems that they feel that they have a purpose to life. Many people who are active in their religion, or leaders in their religion, seem to have fewer doubts in their life. Many religions teach different things, but many of the religions teach that there is a purpose to life. One purpose that is common in many religions is service. Many believe in service to friends, or neighbors, or family, or even strangers, and people you have never met. Many religions also believe in serving a higher being. Some religions believe that there is life after death, and everything doesn’t just end when you die. Although religion gives people’s life more purpose, it is not the only reason it is good to be involved in a religion.
The third reason religion is a good idea is because it makes people happier. It is a proven fact that people who believe in a higher being are happier. They are more humble, and tend to love to serve others. Again, they look confident and have that bright look about them, and tend to have a smile on their face more often. They are better socially, and look people in eyes, and smile, and nod, and understand, and enjoy communicating more, as opposed to some people who don’t belong to a religion who aren’t as confident, and more insecure.
In conclusion, it is a good idea to belong to some kind of religion, because it boosts people’s self-esteem, gives them more purpose to life, and makes people happier. Again, I am very sorry if I offended anyone. These are observations, and not always true with everybody!
The first reason it would be a good idea to be a part of a religion is because it seems to boost people’s self-esteem. I have noticed that people who are very involved in there religion seem to walk with their head higher. They look more confident, and have better posture. They are not just slumped over walking looking down at the ground. They look you in the eyes when they talk to you, and they have a great air about them. They seem to have a more bubbly personality, and to be more confident in who they are, and have a purpose to life.
The second reason it is a good idea to be involved in a religion is because it seems that they feel that they have a purpose to life. Many people who are active in their religion, or leaders in their religion, seem to have fewer doubts in their life. Many religions teach different things, but many of the religions teach that there is a purpose to life. One purpose that is common in many religions is service. Many believe in service to friends, or neighbors, or family, or even strangers, and people you have never met. Many religions also believe in serving a higher being. Some religions believe that there is life after death, and everything doesn’t just end when you die. Although religion gives people’s life more purpose, it is not the only reason it is good to be involved in a religion.
The third reason religion is a good idea is because it makes people happier. It is a proven fact that people who believe in a higher being are happier. They are more humble, and tend to love to serve others. Again, they look confident and have that bright look about them, and tend to have a smile on their face more often. They are better socially, and look people in eyes, and smile, and nod, and understand, and enjoy communicating more, as opposed to some people who don’t belong to a religion who aren’t as confident, and more insecure.
In conclusion, it is a good idea to belong to some kind of religion, because it boosts people’s self-esteem, gives them more purpose to life, and makes people happier. Again, I am very sorry if I offended anyone. These are observations, and not always true with everybody!
We should be allowed to carry backpacks in school!
I know this seems like a weird subject to do an essay on, but I will write one anyway! Have you ever been late to class? Have you ever been unprepared in one of your classes? Have you ever had a huge handful of things you had to take to class, but didn’t seem to have enough arms (or hands) to carry it all? If you answered no to any of these questions, then you are a liar liar pants on fire, hanging my a telephone wire!!!! One reason I know, is because there are many great, over-achieving students, who make those mistakes, and if the over-achievers make those mistakes, so do regular students and under-achievers! I think that the solution to all these problems would be to be able to carry bags or backpacks to all of our classes! The first reason I think this would benefit us, is because you wouldn’t be late to class. Second, because you wouldn’t be unprepared. Third, because you would have a place to put all of your stuff. I think that being on time would be a great benefit!
The first reason we should be allowed to bring backpacks to class is because it would be easier to be on time to class. I know this seems like an odd reason, but it is true! How, you ask? Because if we could bring backpacks to class, we could just stick all of our things in there that we needed for all of our classes, and we would not need to stop at our lockers, and get our binders. If we stopped at our lockers between every class, we would probably be late to at least a couple of them. If we didn’t need to stop at our lockers, we would be on time to class, or maybe even early! If we didn’t have to stop at our lockers, we could also be more prepared for our next class period.
The second reason we should be allowed to bring backpacks to class is because we would be more prepared! You wouldn’t have to stop at your locker, barely make it to class on time, then remember you came unprepared, and forgot something in your locker! You could just have everything in your bag that you needed, and keep it there for the rest of the day! This is a great benefit from being able to carry bags around school, but not the only one.
The third reason is that we wouldn’t have to have books and binders, notebooks and folders piled in our arms up to our chins. We wouldn’t have to struggle with carrying things! For example: One time I had TONS of things to carry to one of my classes, then I get right out of the door of my classroom, look down the hall, and see that I dropped a book! So…with everything in my hands, I struggled back down the hall, bent down to pick up my book, and EVERYTHING fell! I had to pick them back up, then was late to class! By having a bag, I wouldn’t have had that problem!
In conclusion, we should be allowed to carry backpacks around the school to each of our classes so it would decrease the amount of tardies, increase our preparedness, and eliminate the struggle to carry a lot of books and binders and what not to our classes!
The first reason we should be allowed to bring backpacks to class is because it would be easier to be on time to class. I know this seems like an odd reason, but it is true! How, you ask? Because if we could bring backpacks to class, we could just stick all of our things in there that we needed for all of our classes, and we would not need to stop at our lockers, and get our binders. If we stopped at our lockers between every class, we would probably be late to at least a couple of them. If we didn’t need to stop at our lockers, we would be on time to class, or maybe even early! If we didn’t have to stop at our lockers, we could also be more prepared for our next class period.
The second reason we should be allowed to bring backpacks to class is because we would be more prepared! You wouldn’t have to stop at your locker, barely make it to class on time, then remember you came unprepared, and forgot something in your locker! You could just have everything in your bag that you needed, and keep it there for the rest of the day! This is a great benefit from being able to carry bags around school, but not the only one.
The third reason is that we wouldn’t have to have books and binders, notebooks and folders piled in our arms up to our chins. We wouldn’t have to struggle with carrying things! For example: One time I had TONS of things to carry to one of my classes, then I get right out of the door of my classroom, look down the hall, and see that I dropped a book! So…with everything in my hands, I struggled back down the hall, bent down to pick up my book, and EVERYTHING fell! I had to pick them back up, then was late to class! By having a bag, I wouldn’t have had that problem!
In conclusion, we should be allowed to carry backpacks around the school to each of our classes so it would decrease the amount of tardies, increase our preparedness, and eliminate the struggle to carry a lot of books and binders and what not to our classes!
We shouldn't have to take Gym!
Do you ever get tired of people, especially school counselors, telling you what classes you have to take? “You MUST take Physical Education, because you are all getting fat because you eat the rubber school lunches,” the counselors practically scream in your ear. Well, personally I like to be able to choose my classes, so I can have fun in school. I don’t want to have to take Math, Science, or Geography, but I especially do not want to take Gym! The first reason I don’t want to have to take Gym is because we could use that class period for doing something we actually want to do. Second, because we just repeat the same thing everyday. Third, because some people exercise and don’t need gym. There are so many reasons why we shouldn’t have to take gym!
The first reason we shouldn’t have to take Gym is because we could free up that class period and take any extra class that we actually WANT to take! I hate being forced to do certain things, and one thing I really don’t like is to be forced to take a class. Instead of taking Gym, I could be taking Photography, Choir, or I could be a T.A. I would love to be taking a different class, especially Photography, instead of Gym! I would then be able to experience something new!
The second reason we should not have to take Gym is because we just repeat the same thing over, and over, and over again! I am so tired of hearing, “Run for 5 minutes, then hold flamingos for 10 seconds, then do 20 pushups, then do 50 crunches!” It gets so darn boring listening to monotone voices yelling the same thing to us day after day, week after week, month after month, then finally, year after year! We do the same sports every time! Inline skating, volleyball, basketball, softball, ultimate frisbee, flag football, badminton, and soccer. At first glance that list of activities looks long. But when you do those things day after day, for all three years of junior high, then realize you have more to come in high school, it is dreadful! It feels like I do the same things every stinking day! Although this is a good reason we should not have to take Gym, it is not the only reason.
The third reason we should not have to take Gym is because some people exercise and don’t need to take gym to get exercise. I don’t mean to be a stuck-up, snotty cheerleader, who thinks she is better that everyone else, but I do cheer every day, but still have to take Gym. I have early morning practice twice a week, practice every day, and games at least twice a week. I don’t mean to be rude when I say: We do work harder than the people in Gym do. They slack off, and stop working as soon as the Gym teachers stop looking. I also go to the gym at least once a week, and exercise then also.
In conclusion, students should get to choose to take Gym, especially if they are physically involved in other sports. We shouldn’t be forced to do the exact same thing every day for all three years we are in junior high, then be forced to do the same thing in high school!
The first reason we shouldn’t have to take Gym is because we could free up that class period and take any extra class that we actually WANT to take! I hate being forced to do certain things, and one thing I really don’t like is to be forced to take a class. Instead of taking Gym, I could be taking Photography, Choir, or I could be a T.A. I would love to be taking a different class, especially Photography, instead of Gym! I would then be able to experience something new!
The second reason we should not have to take Gym is because we just repeat the same thing over, and over, and over again! I am so tired of hearing, “Run for 5 minutes, then hold flamingos for 10 seconds, then do 20 pushups, then do 50 crunches!” It gets so darn boring listening to monotone voices yelling the same thing to us day after day, week after week, month after month, then finally, year after year! We do the same sports every time! Inline skating, volleyball, basketball, softball, ultimate frisbee, flag football, badminton, and soccer. At first glance that list of activities looks long. But when you do those things day after day, for all three years of junior high, then realize you have more to come in high school, it is dreadful! It feels like I do the same things every stinking day! Although this is a good reason we should not have to take Gym, it is not the only reason.
The third reason we should not have to take Gym is because some people exercise and don’t need to take gym to get exercise. I don’t mean to be a stuck-up, snotty cheerleader, who thinks she is better that everyone else, but I do cheer every day, but still have to take Gym. I have early morning practice twice a week, practice every day, and games at least twice a week. I don’t mean to be rude when I say: We do work harder than the people in Gym do. They slack off, and stop working as soon as the Gym teachers stop looking. I also go to the gym at least once a week, and exercise then also.
In conclusion, students should get to choose to take Gym, especially if they are physically involved in other sports. We shouldn’t be forced to do the exact same thing every day for all three years we are in junior high, then be forced to do the same thing in high school!
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